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ENERGY
EFFICIENCY PAYS
Systems approach cuts home energy waste
and saves money
ENERGY EFFICIENCY SAVES MONEY
AND IMPROVES THE COMMUNITY
An Atlanta community found that the annual
LITTLE IMPROVEMENTS YIELD
BIG SAVINGS
Getting the most efficiency for the least
Buildings for
the 21st Century
energy bills for newly constructed, affordable
homes averaged over $1,200. Increasing the
cost requires careful attention throughout
the design and construction process. Most
Buildings that are more
energy-efficient, comfortable,
and affordable . . . that’s the
goal of DOE’s Office of Building
Technology, State and
Community Programs (BTS).
To accelerate the development
and wide application of energy
efficiency measures, BTS:
energy efficiency of the homes saved over
$400 a year and added less than $500 to
energy-efficient homes have dozens of little
improvements that individually add little
construction costs.
Simple energy efficiency improvements can
to construction costs, yet together yield
big savings.
cut energy costs by over 40 percent in most
affordable housing. Some low-income families
Many energy features offer additional benefits
such as increased comfort, reduced noise,
may spend over 15 percent of their income on
energy to operate their homes. The money that
greater fire safety, and improved building
durability. Energy-efficient homes also have
these families save on energy can help them
make mortgage payments and pay for food,
less condensation, which protects framing,
windows, and finish materials. Better control
clothing, and other essentials. Studies show
that a dollar saved on energy stays within the
of moisture and temperature means less
movement of materials, which reduces floor
community.
squeaks and drywall cracks.
• Conducts R&D on technologies and concepts for energy
efficiency, working closely
with the building industry
and with manufacturers of
materials, equipment, and
appliances
• Promotes energy/money
saving opportunities to both
builders and buyers of homes
and commercial buildings
• Works with State and local
regulatory groups to improve
building codes, appliance
standards, and guidelines for
efficient energy use
• Provides support and grants
to States and communities
for deployment of energyefficient technologies and
practices
While some energy features add to construcEFFICIENT HOMES PROTECT THE
HEALTH OF FAMILIES AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
Energy-efficient homes provide a healthy
indoor environment, reducing health risks from
mold, pollen, dust mites, radon, combustion
by-products, and other contaminants. In addition, they help to prevent unnecessary pollution. While homes are not often considered a
source of pollution, the electricity, fossil fuels,
and other energy sources they use contribute
to global warming, acid rain, smog, and other
tion costs, others can reduce costs. For example, increasing insulation and sealing air leaks
reduce heating and cooling needs, allowing
the use of smaller equipment and ductwork.
The savings on the mechanical systems can
pay for the increased cost of insulation and
air sealing. Energy-efficient framing techniques can reduce lumber costs over 15
percent and prevent mold growth in outside
walls and ceilings.
serious environmental problems. Wasted
energy needlessly pollutes the environment.
Energy-efficient homes help to protect the
environment as well as the pocketbooks
of homeowners.
OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
WHAT MAKES A HOME ENERGY-EFFICIENT?
Affordable housing programs that have successfully cut energy
• VENTILATION
Today’s homes need controlled ventilation systems.
For most affordable home designs, simple systems can be
waste have champions who understand the importance of a
systems approach to improving energy efficiency and the
economical to install and operate. In temperate climates,
spot ventilation provided by higher-quality bath and
need for careful planning, training, and quality control during
construction. The following improvements help to make a
kitchen fans vented directly to the outside may be adequate. In more severe climates, heat recovery ventilation
home truly affordable, healthy, durable, and comfortable.
and other techniques may be more appropriate.
PROPER DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF HVAC
Poor design and installation of heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) equipment commonly increases energy
• DUCTWORK
Improving the efficiency of ductwork is the single most
important energy measure for most affordable homes.
costs 10 to 30 percent in affordable housing. Proper sizing,
design, and installation are usually the top three priorities
for cutting energy bills.
Poor ductwork can waste hundreds of dollars each year
and cause serious health and safety problems. It is best
• EQUIPMENT SIZE
Equipment that is too big costs more to buy and operate
to locate ducts inside the living area—not in attics or
crawl spaces. Do not use building cavities, such as closet
returns, as part of the duct system.
and results in less comfort. To size equipment properly
requires exact calculations that consider insulation levels,
Make sure all joints in the ductwork are sealed permanently with mastic; duct tape and insulation do not provide
window type and orientation, and air-sealing measures.
Do not use rules of thumb that estimate so much heating
an effective seal. After ducts are sealed, ensure that they
have adequate insulation. The Model Energy Code sets
or cooling per square foot of living area.
minimum requirements, but higher levels are often costeffective. (See page 4 for details on how to obtain a copy
• EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY SOURCE
The professional who calculates the size of the HVAC
of the Model Energy Code.)
equipment should be able to determine estimated
operating costs for various equipment efficiencies and
REDUCED AIR LEAKAGE
Excess air leakage in homes can increase heating and
energy sources. It is also important to consider the cost
of energy sources when selecting equipment. Saving a
cooling bills by 30 percent. Although windows, doors, and
outside walls contribute to air leakage, the biggest holes are
few dollars on equipment is no bargain if families pay
hundreds more due to a wrong choice. Look for the
usually hidden from view and connect the house to the attic,
crawl space, or basement. Reducing air leakage typically
Energy Guide label, detailing estimated energy
consumption and annual operating costs.
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HOME ENERGY USE
costs less than $200 for the average home and is required
by the Model Energy Code.
A systems approach to
improving energy efficiency
looks at energy usage
throughout the home to
identify key ways to cut
energy waste.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PAYS
PROPER INSTALLATION OF INSULATION
Gaps and compressed areas of insulation can cut the energy-
Window orientation greatly affects energy use—as much as
25 percent for some designs. Major glass areas should face
south for maximum winter heating. Avoid unshaded glass
saving potential of insulation by over 25 percent. Poor installation also leads to condensation and comfort problems. The
on east and west sides to reduce summer overheating. Use
solar shade screens, roof overhangs, awnings, and trees and
Model Energy Code sets minimum requirements for insulation levels, but it is often cost-effective to exceed these levels.
other landscaping to provide shade.
WATER CONSERVATION
A family of four can spend more for hot water than heating
or cooling. Consider the cost of various fuels for heating
EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Energy-efficient lighting saves on electric bills, helps keep
the home cooler by reducing waste heat, and lasts longer.
Specify compact or tubular fluorescents for interior fixtures
water as well as the efficiency of the water heater, which is
often addressed on the label of the water heater. Simple con-
that will be on for four hours or more each day—usually
kitchens, hallways, and some living areas. Their extra cost is
servation measures, such as low-flow showerheads, tank
insulation jackets, and convection traps in hot and cold water
repaid in energy savings.
lines, pay back quickly. Replacing inefficient plumbing fixtures in older homes can save families hundreds of dollars.
Exterior lighting can cost hundreds of dollars a year to
operate if it is not energy efficient. Install only compact
fluorescent or high-pressure sodium fixtures for security
EFFICIENT WINDOWS
While energy-efficient windows cost more than standard
lighting, and consider motion sensors or photo cells that
operate lights automatically.
models, they can cut energy bills significantly and reduce
heating or cooling needs enough to permit smaller and
EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
Appliance energy use is usually greatest for refrigerators,
clothes washers and dryers, and dishwashers. The true
cheaper HVAC equipment and ductwork. They greatly
improve comfort by increasing surface temperatures and
cutting drafts. They also reduce condensation, protecting
building materials and reducing mold growth. Look for the
cost of an appliance is the purchase price plus the cost
for energy and water for operation. A cheap, inefficient
Energy Star® label when choosing windows.
appliance will waste money for years to come. Federal law
requires that most appliances have Energy Guide tags that
compare estimated operating costs between energy-efficient
and standard models. Look for the Energy Star® label when
IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE
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choosing appliances.
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1. Ventilate attic
2. Install adequate insulation with no gaps
or compressed areas
3. Specify efficient windows; consider window
orientation
4. Seal all penetrations
5. Locate ducts inside conditioned space; if not
possible, ensure ducts are sealed with mastic
and insulated
6. Size heating and cooling equipment; choose
efficient models
7. Provide controlled ventilation
8. Install efficient water heating
9. Specify efficient lighting for fixtures
used more than four hours daily
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10. Choose efficient appliances
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY PAYS
Southface
Energy Institute
404-872-3549
www.southface.org
Oak Ridge
National Laboratory
Buildings Technology Center
423-574-5178
www.ornl.gov/btc
The Model Energy Code
can be obtained from the
Council of American
Building Officials by
calling 703-931-4533
MECcheck, a companion
compliance software
package, can be ordered
from DOE by calling
1-800-270-CODE
or downloaded directly
from the Web at:
www.energycodes.org/
resid/resid.htm.
NOTICE: Neither the United
States government nor any
agency thereof, nor any of their
employees, makes any warranty,
express or implied, or assumes
any legal liability or responsibility
for the accuracy, completeness,
or usefulness of any information,
apparatus, product, or process
disclosed. The views and opinions
of authors expressed herein do
not necessarily state or reflect
those of the United States government or any agency thereof.
to better budget for any maintenance and
repairs that must be done. Energy efficiency
is a great investment for homeowners. When
added to a mortgage, energy improvements
usually cost less than the savings they offer
on utility bills. Some areas have mortgages
that encourage energy efficiency, helping to
offset any added construction costs due to
Energy efficiency makes housing
rehab affordable
In Greene County, Pennsylvania, the
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) affiliate closely
monitored energy usage for remodeled
homes. They discovered annual energy bills
as high as $1,800. The data clearly showed
that the highest energy consumption
occurred where little attention had been
energy improvements.
given to energy improvements to the building
envelope and HVAC equipment.
By incorporating proper planning and
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD
ENERGY EXPENDITURES
quality control during remodeling, HFH successfully reduced air leakage in the building
$
WEST
Written and prepared for
the U.S. Department of
Energy by:
expensive maintenance. Money saved on
energy bills can be used by homeowners
SOUTH
Or visit the BTS Web site at:
www.eren.doe.gov/buildings
Energy improvements help make a building
that is more durable and reduce the need for
MIDWEST
Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
Clearinghouse (EREC)
1-800-DOE-3732
www.eren.doe.gov
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVES
HOME AFFORDABILITY
NORTHEAST
For more information,
contact:
$1,599 $1,400 $1,366
$999
envelope and duct system and improved
efficiencies of the insulation, water heater,
and space conditioning equipment.
The results were significant: gas bills
for heat and hot water dropped from between
$60 and $110 per month to around $30.
Electricity costs were reduced by improving
lighting and certain “energy hog” appliances,
such as old refrigerators and dryers.
Improvements in water efficiency reduced
water and sewage costs.
HFH has lowered energy use in older
homes to about the same levels as in new,
energy-efficient homes. The key is a systems
The average American family spends
$1,291 on home energy per year. Energy
approach that considers all energy usage,
use varies according to home characteris-
including heating, cooling, hot water, lighting,
tics, occupant lifestyle, and climate.
and appliances.
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at
least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste.
March 1999
DOE/GO-10099-746